The Cave of Secrets (Dragon Adventure Series 2: Book 2)

By Ben L. Hughes

James is the first human to enter the Cave of Secrets, but when he fails to understand the hidden meaning of the ancient dragon writings, he begins to question his role in the prophecy. Meanwhile, an army of mercenaries is gathering in the southern realm, and their leader is determined to kill all who stand in his way. When James discovers the truth, it’s already too late, and he is forced to choose between saving his best friend, or risk letting the dragon prophecy go unfulfilled...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ben L. Hughes
• Release date: Oct 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311537348

Ben L. Hughes

Please take moment to write a quick review on Smashwords, Amazon, or both to show your support. I enjoy hearing from people who have read my books, so feel free to email me with any comments or questions at: [e-mail] Most of my books are available through Amazon.com if you would like to purchase a print copy. Just type in keyword: Ben L. Hughes in the search bar. Recently Updated: Dragons: A Historical Guide: completely updated with many new artifact photos and added content that uncovers more exciting facts about those legendary creatures... If you are looking for my adult 18+ books: Since I write both children's books and erotica, I have separated my accounts so that someone doesn't accidentally purchase and adult book for a younger reader. To achieve this, my adult books under my pen name "Hugh Bennington" The bio picture is of my son and I heading up the 4x4 road to the top of Mount Antero, Colorado.

Book preview

The Cave of Secrets

Ben L. Hughes

Dragon Adventure Series, Jr.

The Dragon Egg That Rolled Away

Dragon Adventure Series 1

A Dragon Named Splinter

The Blue Dragon

The Dragon Wizard

Dragon Adventure Series 2

Fire Dragons

The Cave of Secrets

The Lost Dragons of Fire Island

Copyright 2014 Ben L. Hughes

Edited By: Jen Hughes and LJ Cummings

Revision Date: February 28th, 2017

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

About the Series

Chapter 1

As the storm-driven waves crashed against the crags, Draig slowly opened his fiery red eyes and peered into the pre-dawn abyss.

Did the storm wake you? Sapphire asked as she gently nuzzled him.

Yeah. I was in the middle of a dream. James was on a ship that was caught in a storm, and then the dream ended before I could see what happened.

If it would make you feel better, we can go see him, Sapphire suggested as she nudged him with her head.

Maybe we should wait until the storm passes?

It’s just a little wind and rain.

You know I don’t like to get wet.

So you say, but Lira told me that you let her fledglings splash you down at the beach, and she caught you swimming with them on several occasions.

Lira was supposed to keep that to herself.

You know she my friend, and we share everything, Sapphire admitted.

I know, humans are so much better at keeping secrets than dragons are.

Come on, let’s go see James, I know you won’t rest until you see him.

It was just a dream… and he was a grown man, Draig replied before he got up and stretched his wings.

Maybe it was a premonition? You were flicking your tail in your dream quite a bit.

You know I don’t like it when you watch me while I’m sleeping.

I know… Sapphire snorted as she went over to the edge of the cave and then started flapping her wings to signal that she was ready to go.

I’m coming, Dragon grumbled as he followed her out.

Isn’t this refreshing? Sapphire remarked as she let the wind lift her high above the cliffs.

If you like cold water going up your snout and stinging your eyes, then yes, this is amazing, Draig grumbled.

You can’t fool me… I know you would fly through a hurricane to see James.

Isn’t that what we are doing? Draig snorted as the raindrops pelted his muzzle.

We’ll be out of it soon enough you big baby, Sapphire replied as she headed up through the cloud layer.

Good, Draig grumbled as he shook his head to flick the water out of his ears.

As they passed by Barmouth, Sapphire noticed a newly built fort perched on the bluffs.

Did you see that? she remarked as Draig flew alongside her.

Yeah, the humans are moving further up the coast.

No, I meant did you see the flag flying at the fort?

No, I missed it.

I think Uther might be stationed there because the flag has a dragon on it. Draig glanced back, but the clouds obscured it from his view.

What did the dragon look like?

The kind that doesn’t like water very much.

Come on… you’re pulling my tail.

No, I’m serious. The flag has a picture of a red dragon on it that looks exactly like you.

Humans are so silly. They fear us and tell their children we are monsters, and now they are using a dragon symbol on their flag. I don’t get it.

It makes sense to me. You honored your word and helped end the war. Now they know that we are not evil demons hell bent on destroying them.

Ironclaw was, and he shamed us all.

He may have been a monster, but he is not the dragon pictured on the flag. In a few generations he will be forgotten, but the Red Dragon of Wales lives on.

That silly flag will never last.

I don’t know… it has an awfully nice dragon on it.

If you say so, Draig sighed as gently touched her wingtips with his own. Sapphire liked how he was so affectionate, and even though he was one of the fiercest and most protective Fire Dragons she had ever met, he had a tender side. It was subtle, but she had known him for so long that it was easy for her to spot it.

As they headed up the river valley leading to Carnedd, Sapphire slowed down and winced in pain.

Are you alright? Draig asked when he noticed she was falling back.

Yeah… it’s nothing. Just a little twinge in my abdomen…it’s already gone.

We can go back if you want?

No. I’m fine, Sapphire replied as she flapped her wings faster to prove her point.

Okay… As they continued on, he looked over at her from time-to-time, but she showed no signs of wanting to turn back, so he left her alone.

Carnedd looks pretty with the clouds around it, Sapphire remarked as they made their way inland.

Yeah, Draig replied, as he stared at the taller peak off to the left of it.

Do you miss it? Sapphire asked when she realized he was fixated on Snowdon, even though they were going to Carnedd.

I do, Draig replied as a mixture of emotions welled up inside him. It was his ancestral home, but Ironclaw had tainted it, and the memory of what had happened there still haunted him.

I would like to see my old den after we visit with James, Sapphire remarked as they continued past Snowdon.

You can go without me, Draig sighed. Draig felt bad about not wanting to go with her, but the thought of seeing the Stone of Punishment made his scales bristle.

Okay, I didn’t think you wanted to see it yet, but I wasn’t sure.

When they reached Carnedd Mountain, James came running over to meet them the moment they landed.

How are you doing? he asked as he hugged each of them in turn.

We’re doing well, how about you? Draig asked as he poked James with the tip of his tail.

It’s hard being a miner, but this is my last full season of having to do it.

Why is that? Draig questioned.

Now that I am thirteen, I am old enough to start my apprenticeship in Swansea as a silversmith, James replied.

What made you decide to do that?

We have been selling the ore from our mine down there for the past few years, and I have made friends with a couple of the smiths. If you could have seen some of the things they are making with our silver, you would understand why I am so eager to learn the trade.

Perhaps you are just eager to get away from the mine for awhile, Draig snickered.

There might be some truth to that, but I will always come back here so I can see you guys, and help out my family when they need it.

Well, you’re becoming an adult, and it’s only natural that you want to spread your wings and venture out, Draig remarked as he looked over at Sapphire.

If James is old enough to start an apprenticeship, then I think it’s time I take him to the Cave of Secrets so he can read the ancient prophecies, Sapphire suggested.

Isn’t he a little young for that? Draig questioned.

You just said he is becoming an adult, and if I am not mistaken, you still need to see the cave, Sapphire insisted. Draig flicked his tail disapprovingly, but it was obvious she really wanted them to see it, so he didn’t object.

Isn’t the cave one of your most sacred places? James asked as he tried to remember what she had said about it in the past.

It is actually the most sacred of all places to our species, and the only location where dragons have ever recorded events in writing.

I didn’t know you could write, James replied as if it was something only humans knew how to do.

We never mentioned it because we never use it. It takes too long to claw out letters, so our culture and history has always been passed down through oral tradition. The one exception to that was the Cave of Secrets, where the prophecies were recorded in stone to ensure they would never be forgotten or altered over time, Sapphire revealed.

So they must be very important, James remarked.

They are. The prophecies tell a story that has two meanings, one that any dragon can understand, and a deeper one that can only be deciphered by Draco Veneficus, Sapphire revealed.

Who is that? James asked.

Draco Veneficus is the Dragon Wizard, a healer like no other, and the only one who can truly understand the prophecy.

I am confused, is there just one prophecy, or several in the cave? James asked.

There are many, some have come to pass, others have not, but one in particular is tied to our future, and that’s the most important one of all, Sapphire replied.

When can we go to the cave? James asked with an eagerness that was hard to miss.

Anytime you have a few hours to spare, Sapphire replied.

I’ll go ask Raven if I can have the rest of the day off, James said as he ran back into the mine tunnel to look for him.

Are you sure he is ready to learn the truth? Draig remarked after James was gone.

I think he needs to read the prophecies before he leaves for Swansea, Sapphire replied.

He’s a smart kid, there’s a good chance he will realize he is the great healer mentioned in the writings, and that realization might change him, Draig cautioned.

If he really is the great healer, he needs to fulfill his destiny, not just because we need him to, but because he will have an emptiness inside if he doesn’t. If we are wrong about him, or it’s not the right time, then he won’t be able to decipher the prophecy and nothing changes. We’ll protect and love him as we always have, and when we pass, our reign is over, Sapphire admitted.

Is there any doubt in your mind that he is the great healer? Draig asked in response to her remark about their reign being over.

No, I am sure he is, but there is a chance we have misunderstood the prophecy. Perhaps when you read it for yourself, you will see something that others have not, even if James doesn’t, Sapphire replied.

I doubt that, but either way, our fate is in his hands, Draig remarked as he looked over at the mine entrance when he heard a familiar voice calling out to him.

Draig! Sapphire! How are you doing? Raven asked as he rushed over to see them.

We are both doing well, Draig replied.

It’s been ages since your last visit, what have you been up to? Raven scolded in a friendly tone.

Sapphire and I have been spending a lot of time together, and we have been hanging out with Lira and her adolescent dragons, Splash and Bay. They will be leaving the den soon since they are nearly full-grown, Draig replied as he glanced over at